Charlie shoved his hands in his pockets. ‘There’s a new film on Netflix that the guys at work are raving about. Action thriller with that guy you like.’
Regan gave him a look. She knew him pretty well by now. ‘Or we could binge-watchGavin and Stacey.’
Charlie’s face lit up. ‘Yeah, that’d be perfect.’ He cleared his throat. ‘You know. If that’s whatyouwant to watch, then sure … I don’t mind.’ He gave a cheeky smile and her heart smiled along too.
Regan felt smug and virtuous as she waltzed out of the gym, having handed in her membership card and asked them to change Jarvis’s membership to a single. Yes, she had taken a while to do it, but the important thing was that she had got there in the end. Jarvis had clearly forgotten to change it too, so she didn’t feel too bad about it – she’d just maximised his monthly membership by showering there most days.
The gym had been a little bubble she could escape to – with its nice-smelling body wash, clean towels and hairdryers, it had helped to keep her going over the last fewweeks. She had two weeks left at Charlie’s, but ultimately Cleo’s return had signalled the end of Regan’s austerity period. She was still determined to get herself back on her feet, but knowing you had a backstop made a huge difference. Especially when that backstop had a beautiful flat and loads of money.
She walked to the barrier, and instead of the bar turning when she pushed it, it jammed, and she almost dived over the top. She gave it a jiggle but it didn’t move. Typical. They always hated you cancelling your gym membership – she was probably trapped there for all eternity. She reversed out and was about to go through the next turnstile when she saw Jarvis leaving the gym with his sports bag slung over his shoulder. Regan did a little jolt but quickly composed herself. She’d managed to avoid him since the split, but here he was. He was checking his phone and she put her head down, hoping he’d not notice her. She gave the next turnstile a nudge and thankfully it let her through. She was free.
‘Regan.’ Jarvis touched her arm.Oh, so close to escaping.
‘Jarvis. Hello,’ she said, spinning around. ‘Fancy seeing you here.’ Why did she suddenly sound like her grandmother?
‘I’ve been a member here for six years. I come at the same time most days. So it was fairly likely.’ He was giving her the look that always made her feel stupid. Not any more.
‘I thought you would have cancelled the joint membership, but you hadn’t, so I’ve done it for you.’ She held her head high – she could do this. She could be polite and aloof.
He was scanning her up and down. ‘Right.’
He could have at least thanked her for saving him afew quid. ‘Anyway, I’m very busy running my own business, so I must dash.’ Now she sounded all showy and a bit posh.
He seemed to be considering her statement. ‘I heard you were working on the market.’
‘Yes. That is my business. You arse.’ And no-nonsense Regan was back.
‘There’s no need to be abusive.’
‘Excuse me.’ A lycra-clad woman skulked past them, and Regan realised they were causing an obstruction. She pointed outside and Jarvis followed her into the car park.
‘I have been to hell and back these last couple of months. You have no idea what I’ve been through, so don’t you dare belittle my business.’
Jarvis looked bored. ‘You are the architect of your own misfortune, Regan.’
What did that mean?‘Are you saying it’s all my fault?’
‘I’m saying you don’t consider the consequences of your actions.’
Regan’s blood was beginning to heat up. ‘Consequences! I lost my job and nearly ended up on the streets because of Alex’s pranks.’
‘You see. You’re still not taking any responsibility.’ He checked his watch. ‘Whilst this has been interesting, I need to get going.’
She wasn’t done putting over her argument, so she followed him across the car park. ‘I do take responsibility. It was not my fault—’
‘You entered into these silly games of one-upmanship with Alex. It was bound to end badly.’
He was so infuriating. ‘Well, not any more. I’m my own boss.’
‘Market stall. You said.’ He stopped at a red Audi and opened the door.
‘New car?’ Jarvis hadn’t had the silver one very long. She clocked the registration. It was the same age as his last one, so not a huge upgrade.
‘Yes. It was time for a change. It’s the sports model.’ He really did look bored. ‘I really do need to go. Good luck with the market stall,’ he said dismissively, and he got in the car.
‘In case you didn’t know, Marks and Spencer started on a market stall,’ she said, as he shut the door. It was one of those moments she really wished she could conjure up the perfect insult, but it had escaped her – and she’d spend the rest of the day reliving the conversation until she found the perfect parting shot.
Chapter Thirty-Four
